Sunday, September 26, 2010

Job One At Rideau Hall: Buying It "In Bulk".

I've got good news and bad news: first, that of a pleasant variety -- our next Governor General, David Johnston, will be sworn in on Friday in the Senate. Now, the not so edifying -- did the new team remember to buy medicine for Acid Reflex Disease "In Bulk"???

God knows, the new GG will find out rather quickly how much he'll need it. This Prime Minister has the habit of running his Governor Generals by the nose (or at least trying to). Let me see, what's likely to be on the menu this time -- Prorogation Three, perhaps? How's about a contest of wills as to who gets to call the tune under any and all eventualities.

Because I like Johnston here's a wise hint -- gratis -- don't make himself cool his heels for hours at a time before being allowed the privilege of conversing with him. He's got all the cards and is only too willing to play them -- hopefully not to your detriment.

So good luck in your new job! Remember, the dispensary is only a few feet away...

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Tale of Inadequate Missiles.

I don't have to tell you what it's like to be stuck with a missile that somehow measures up as inadequate. You can compare and contrast as much as you like but the diagnosis is always the same: found wanting. The prognosis isn't much better either. You can dress it up in fancy, new, state-of-the-art hardware with all the shining bells and whistles -- top of the line stuff -- and yet, feelings of inferiority remain for not having passed the five to six inch standard...

As C.D. Howe famously said, "What's A Billion." when dealing with the ever fragile male ego and self-esteem. So bring it on, untendered, uninhibited and all!

Remember Canada. The real men are there for ya. Think of that tonight as you gratefully drift off to sleep. After all, the bill only comes due in the morning.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

A Conservative "Majority" At Work...

God Bless This Prime Minister! I want to thank him for all the tremendous work he's done of late on behalf of Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Party of Canada. Pretty decent of the man, if I do say so myself.

A case in point: Helena Guergis, who despite being cleared by both the RCMP and the Ethics Commissioner, will not be the Conservative standard bearer in Simcoe-Grey in the next campaign.

As reported in The Star yesterday, the Conservatives already have a candidate (whom I suppose has never heard of stepping aside - a novel concept that, apparently -- at least in Conservative circles) planning to run in the riding.

The Star reported that the CPC could very well lose in Simcoe-Grey in light of a recent poll if previous Conservative strength divides on election day.

Sans commentaire, as we say in French.

But Ladies and Gentlemen, please pay close attention to this situational drama. Remember that this is sadly typical of this Prime Minister's behaviour when Harper deliberately chooses to dig in his heels rather than having to deal with a possible loss of face. Ego also has something to do with it -- not to mention the warm regard felt for Rahim in Conservative quarters.

Just picture it as a sneak preview of how a Conservative majority government would operate under the direction of this PM. Instructive, isn't it. You might want to view it a quick glimpse of "coming attractions". Or you may come to the conclusion that perhaps it's time to seriously think again before casting your ballot in the next federal election.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Got To Love That Picture Of CanadianSense!

You know CanadianSense, among my MANY hidden talents is the ability to read the lips of still photographs -- and you're recent change of photo practically screams: the Wildrose Alliance is COMING TO OTTAWA! Be afraid, Prime Minister, be very afraid...

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Waiting For The Long-Gun Registry Click...

Can you say political sea-change? Have you seen it coming? When is a loss -- even a politically horrendous one, suddenly a stunning victory that leads to serious political realignment?

I'm thinking September 22nd with the vote on the so-called private member's bill to abolish the long-gun registry. This legislation is a GOVERNMENT bill in everything but name. It tugs at this Prime Minister's heart strings. (Yes, he actually does have one.)

There will be a lot of damage done to at least two political parties: first and foremost to the New Democrats as their supporters in the cities puke their guts out at the loss of the LGR, and more importantly, vent their disgust at the polls for the way in which Jack will have handled this. My guess is a 10-15 seat loss for the NDP in the next election in major urban centers.

Then we come to the party that never met a legally-owned loaded gun it didn't like. The Conservatives don't need to whip the vote. They've already gotten the message -- loud and clear from the PMO. The loss of the long-gun registry will simply play into the overall perception of the direction this Prime Minister is planning to continue to take the nation in. Harper sees that as a plus. Yours truly regards it strategically speaking as a net minus.

Bring on the vote -- and the serious political consequences.